Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    05 Oct 2026

    Everything you always wanted to know about soakaway testing and groundwater monitoring*

    Everything you always wanted to know about soakaway testing and groundwater monitoring* (*but were afraid to ask).This was the title of a recent lunchtime CPD presentation that Simon and Callum recently gave to a company of drainage and civil engineers. Whilst the pun in the title, taken from a Woody Allen film, might have been lost on many of the audience, its content certainly wasn’t. I am all for sharing what we know, particularly if it takes less than an hour, over lunch, and especially if it helps make all of our lives easier and to the benefit of others. Whilst standing up in front of a room and talking for around 40 minutes isn’t my idea of fun, the benefits are great and many, so we are happy to provide a similar talk to others, if anyone fancies it.    Providing a pizza lunch is optional, but always helps with our availability!

    Everything you always wanted to know about soakaway testing and groundwater monitoring*
    Everything you always wanted to know about soakaway testing and groundwater monitoring*
  • Recent projects

    CBR Values for Road Pavement Design, Cornwall

    Ruddlesden geotechnical were commissioned to undertake California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing to provide a design CBR value for road pavement design. The testing was to be undertaken within a highway verge of an A-road. Ruddlesden geotechnical obtained the necessary street works licence and organised the appropriate level of traffic management to protect site operatives. Trial pits were excavated within the verge to reveal the underlying subgrade. A number of Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests were undertaken to ascertain the strength of the subgrade and, supplemented with UKAS accredited laboratory testing, used to calculate a representative CBR value for design. Bearing pressures were also provided for used in foundation design of highway signage.

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  • Recent projects

    Ground Gas Assessment for Large Residential Development Site

    After completing a Phase 1 contamination assessment, Ruddlesden were instructed to undertake a ground gas risk assessment for a proposed residential development near Rugby. The southern and western boundaries of the site were bordered by an active landfill site and historical landfilling activities had taken place within the southwest of the site. Twelve ground gas monitoring wells were installed to varying depths within the confines of the proposed residential development site. The wells were monitored on twelve occasions following installation with a landfill gas analyser, for oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide and gas flow. Atmospheric pressure and other environmental conditions were also recorded. The results of the monitoring were used to produce a gas screening value (GSV), which was used in the assessment to ascertain whether any protective measures were required for new dwellings. The results indicated that a suitably installed gas proof membrane and subfloor ventilation would provide sufficient protection against the levels of ground gas present.

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